With the arrival of autumn, the challenge of changing outfits can often be daunting. After all, switching from casual short-sleeved shirts to layered outfits—balancing warmth and style—is a test of your styling savvy. Katy Perry’s line, “Sometimes you’re hot, sometimes you’re cold” perfectly captures the awkwardness of transitional seasons. This article summarizes nine common fall style mistakes men make to help you avoid them and navigate the fog of seasonal style.
1. Refusing to Face the Cold
Many people, accustomed to summer attire, are reluctant to “surrender” and switch to fall clothing. They wear shorts and a light, single-layer jacket, only to shiver in the cold. Remember: Dress based on the outside temperature, not your own feelings. Appropriate layering can help you avoid the chill.
2. Confusion About Waterproofing
Rainproof clothing is marketed under a variety of names, with varying degrees of sophistication, such as “waterproof,” “splash-proof,” and “water-resistant.” To avoid getting soaked, be sure to buy a jacket labeled “waterproof.” For everyday city life, lightweight windbreakers and waxed cotton jackets are practical and stylish. Remember to always carry an umbrella.
3. Keep wearing summer sneakers
While white canvas shoes are suitable for summer, they become unusable once autumn rain and muddy conditions arrive. For autumn, choose styles with sturdy materials, good traction, and easy cleaning. Currently popular gorpcore sneakers from brands like Keen, Hoka, and Salomon combine functionality with style, making them a great choice for autumn and winter.
4. Improper fabric selection
Summer emphasizes coolness, while autumn demands warmth and texture. Opt for versatile midlayers like wool sweaters and cotton twill, paired with unlined outerwear, for a lightweight yet warm, layered look. Use different textures like corduroy, knits, and tweed to enrich the visual and tactile experience.
5. Neglecting layering
Many people simply layer a coat over a T-shirt, missing out on the subtle beauty of multiple layers. It’s recommended to create a layering system consisting of a T-shirt, sweater, down vest, and jacket. This allows for easy adjustment with fluctuating temperatures and adds variety to your look.
6. Donning Heavy Coats Too Early
In early autumn, temperatures haven’t completely dropped yet, so donning a down jacket or heavy coat too early will only leave you sweating profusely indoors. A better strategy is to start with a lightweight but warm midlayer, and then introduce a coat during the transition period.
7. White Socks Go All-In
While white athletic socks are classic, fall and winter offer a wide variety of colors. Switching to autumn-inspired socks like brown, dark red, and plaid can add more dimension to your look and create a subtle, stylish touch.
8. Over-Layering is Not Enough
Layering is important, but thicker is not always better. In autumn, opt for lightweight, stand-alone layers, saving down and heavier outerwear for extremely cold weather. Creating a flexible combination of lightweight jackets, sweaters, and overshirts is more suitable for the autumn mood.
9. Imbalanced Color Pairing
Be cautious when mixing colors. Essentially, choose neutral colors like navy blue, dark green, and dark gray as the background, then add accents like burnt orange, burgundy, and golden brown. Avoid a single bright color from head to toe. Master the principles of embellishment to enhance the overall layering and seasonal charm.
The charm of autumn fashion lies in the clever balance between warmth and fashion. Understanding and avoiding the common misconceptions above will not only help you maintain your stylish demeanor in unpredictable weather, but also empower you to confidently face every street scene and become the most eye-catching sight in autumn.